CuO–Cu 2 O (Cu x O) nanosheets were coated on a copper foam substrate by the electrochemical anodization method in an alkaline solution. Constant current coulometry was performed to electrodeposit Ni nanorods on the surface of a Cu/Cu x O electrode. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) proved that the copper oxide nanosheets were anchored on the copper foam substrate and modified by Ni nanorods (Cu/Cu x O/Ni). The process took place via a facile and inexpensive electrodeposition method. As the results indicate, owing to the synergistic effect of adjacent Cu x O and Ni sites, a Cu/Cu x O/Ni electrode has a very good and stable electrocatalytic activity to reduce CO 2 . As tested in this study, the product of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 (i.e. activated CO 2 , or CO 2 •− ) can be used for the electrocarboxylation of pyridine in mild conditions. Once an electron is transferred from CO 2 •− to pyridine, a pyridine radical anion is formed. Based on the EC'C′CC mechanism, this radical anion reacts with CO 2 •− and produces isonicotinic acid as the main product. In addition, two pyridine radical anions react together and produce a 4,4′-bipyridine dimer. The high stability of the electrocatalyst during the electrolysis process and the simplicity of the workup make the proposed modified electrode appropriate for the electrosynthesis of some organic compounds.